UK video game company plunges into administration as 36 more jobs lost

UK video game company plunges into administration as 36 more jobs lost It is said to have already made up to 300 members of staff redundant. A UK video game company founded by an ex Grand Theft Auto developer has entered administration. The company, which is based in Edinburgh, has appointed administrators just a year after launching its debut game. Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) launched its game MindsEye in June 2025. However, as of September 29, administrators Opus Restructuring has been appointed and 36 more jobs have been lost. BARB was set up in 2016 by former GTA developer Leslie Benzies. It began working on multiplayer role-playing game Everywhere before pivoting to action-adventure game MindsEye. However, it suffered a tough launch with some players branding it "the worst game" of the year and "relentlessly dull". After the launch, it has been reported between 250 to 300 members of staff were made redundant. Now, administrators have been appointed. Opus Restructuring said: "Allister Manson and Mark Harper of Opus Restructuring LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of Build A Rocket Boy Ltd on 23 September 2026. "The directors sought the protection of Administration to safeguard the Company’s business and assets while options for its future are assessed. "The Joint Administrators are undertaking an immediate review and intend to continue trading the business while exploring all available options with a view to maximising value for creditors and other stakeholders. "49 of the Company’s 85 employees were retained upon appointment. Those employees who were made redundant will be supported by the Joint Administrators in claiming their statutory entitlements." It added: "The Joint Administrators will also engage with relevant stakeholders in relation to ongoing investigations and assess any potential causes of action available to the Company in connection with the issues and circumstances surrounding the launch of MindsEye, the Company’s principal game. "Interested parties should contact Opus Restructuring LLP for further information at [email protected]." The Mirror has contacted Build A Rocket Boy for comment. When do companies go into administration? Companies can fall into administration when they can no longer pay bills, which is referred to as insolvency. Payments to creditors or anyone the company owes money to are put on hold during the process. Proposals to restructure the business get drawn up and an administrator from a qualified accountancy firm is put in charge. They are in charge of keeping the business running until usually a new owner is found. Creditors must be paid back as much money as possible, which is usually done by selling off assets. Administration is a long process and it can take months. In worst case scenarios, a company can be put into liquidation and shut down if there is no way to make more cash.